maintenance DODGE CALIBER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...........................7
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................63
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL.................................105
5
STARTING AND OPERATING................................................171
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES.............................................227
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................239
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................................................281
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.......................................299
10
INDEX...................................................................307
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner's manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to
fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body
structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
²Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag
system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function
properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for any advanced airbag system service. If your
seat including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced
in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat
attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
Only manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If it is
necessary to modify an advanced airbag system for persons with
disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
²Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on
the right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may
cause the Occupant Classification System to be unable to cor-
rectly classify the right front occupant. This could allow the
passenger frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not
mount or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the
knee bolsters/ driver inflatable knee blocker.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system
yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it
has an airbag system.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on during the 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned on.
²The light remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The light comes on and remains on while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see list below) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment. Please note
that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction with other
data gathered during a complete accident investigation,
the electronic data may be used by DaimlerChrysler and
others to learn more about the possible causes of crashes
and associated injuries in order to assess and improve
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NClosing Sunroof ± Express Mode...........92
NPinch Protect Feature....................92
NPinch Protect Override..................92
NVenting Sunroof ± Express................93
NSunshade Operation....................93
NWind Buffeting........................93
NSunroof Maintenance....................93
NIgnition Off Operation...................93
mElectrical Power Outlets..................93
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off........95
mConsole Features.......................96
mCargo Area Features.....................96NCargo Light/Removable Self- Recharging
Flashlight ± If Equipped.................96
NTonneau Cover Ð If Equipped.............98
NRemovable Load Floor...................99
NCargo Tie-Down Loops..................99
NFold Down Speakers ± If Equipped.........100
mRear Window Features..................101
NRear Window Wiper/Washer.............101
NRear Window Defroster.................102
mRoof Luggage Rack Ð If Equipped.........102
mCooled Beverage Storage Bin/Glove
Compartment Ð If Equipped
.............103
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
3

VENTING SUNROOF ± EXPRESS
Press and hold the ªVº button, and the sunroof will open
to the vent position. This is called Express Vent, and will
occur regardless of the sunroof position. During Express
Vent operation, any movement of the switch will stop the
sunroof.
SUNSHADE OPERATION
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
IGNITION OFF OPERATION
The sunroof will also operate up to 45 seconds after the
ignition has been turned off. The sunroof operation will
be canceled if either of the front doors are opened during
the 45 second time period.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
There is a standard 12-volt power outlet in the instru-
ment panel and a 115 Volt (150 Watts Maximum) outlet in
the center console on SXT and R/T models for added
convenience. These outlets can power cell phones, elec-
tronics and other small appliances.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93
3

NNoise Reduction......................152
NOperation Instructions -
(CD Mode For CD Audio Play)...........152
NLoad/Eject Button
(CD Mode For CD Audio Play)...........153
NNotes On Playing MP3 Files.............154
NOperation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3 And
WMA Audio Play)....................156
NLoad/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 And
WMA Play).........................156
mSatellite Radio Ð If Equipped.............158
NSystem Activation.....................158
NElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID)....................159
NSelecting Satellite Mode In REF, And RAQ,
Radios.............................159
NSelecting a Channel....................160
NStoring And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......160NUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped)........................160
NPTY Button9Scan9.....................160
NPTY Button9Seek9.....................161
NSatellite Antenna......................161
NReception Quality.....................161
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð
If Equipped
..........................161
NRadio Operation......................162
NCD Player..........................162
mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance..............163
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones.......163
mClimate Controls......................164
NClimate Controls......................164
NAir Filtration System ± If Equipped........167
NOperating Tips.......................168
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107
4

12. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine con-
dition. If the engine is critically hot, a warning
chime will sound 10 times. After the chime
turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the
light goes out.
13. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
14. Tire Pressure Monitor Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one ormore of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, and an audible chime will
be activated when one or more tire pressures is low. The
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will flash on and
off for 60 seconds when a system fault is detected. The
flash cycle will repeat every ten minutes or until the fault
condition is removed and reset.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
4

²The TPMS does not monitor the temporary spare tire.
²The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
²Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
²The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition. It is the driver 's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale light.
Check TPM System Message
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
flash on and off for 60 seconds and an audible
chime will sound when a system fault is detected.
The flash cycle will repeat every ten minutes, without an
audible chime until the fault condition no longer exists.The EVIC will display the ªCHECK TPM SYSTEMº
message for 3 seconds. In addition, a graphic will be
displayed indicating which of the Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Sensor(s) is not being received.
If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light will no longer flash, and the9CHECK TPM SYS-
TEM9text message will no longer display.
Check TPM System Display
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusualwear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the ªforward-crossº shown in the
diagram.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING